Village of Hamilton Natural Gas

Distribution Project

Village of Hamilton, New York

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The Village of Hamilton Natural Gas Distribution Project involved the permitting and creation of a gas distribution utility for the Village of Hamilton in upstate New York, and the permitting and installation of 10 miles of new, low-pressure pipeline. The distribution pipeline connects the Village to a major interstate gas pipeline – the Tennessee Gas Pipeline (TGP).  The Project included various laterals to the main 10/8-inch distribution pipeline. The distribution pipeline brings natural gas to Village residences, commercial establishments, the local high school, the community hospital, and to Colgate University, which is the primary user of natural gas in the Village.  In the past, Colgate relied on No. 6 and No. 2 fuel oil as well as wood chips to fuel its power boilers, which provide steam to its campus buildings and student housing. This switch to natural gas improves efficiency as well as results in lower air emissions for the University. Commercial users in the Village of Hamilton, including the Colgate Inn and two local farm operations also benefit from the use of natural gas.

Epsilon was heavily involved in the Project since its inception, evaluating alternative routes for the pipeline, permitting the creation of the gas utility under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) process, conducting various environmental studies, and permitting the installation of the gas distribution pipeline and associated laterals.  

The permitting of the distribution pipeline involved:

• Preparing an Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) and securing approval under SEQRA.

• Preparing a Joint U.S. Army Corps of Engineers / NYS Freshwater Wetlands permit application and negotiating approval from both the Army Corps and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).

• Conducting studies and applying for permits from the NYS Canal Corporation.

• Securing approval from the NYS Public Service Commission under PSL Section 68.

Epsilon was also tasked with providing environmental monitoring for the installation of the distribution pipeline.

Village of Hamilton Gas Project